Using the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter with Windows 10

The Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter lets you plug a compatible chat or stereo headset into the Xbox One Controller so you can control your audio experience on a Windows 10 device without taking your hands off the controller.

The Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter package includes:

Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter

2.5-mm-to-3.5-mm adapter

USB cable to update the controller

Quick start guide and manual

Notes

As of June 2015, Xbox One Wireless Controllers include a 3.5-mm port that lets you directly connect a standard 3.5-mm audio cable.

Insert the Stereo Headset Adapter into the bottom of your Xbox One Controller.

Insert the headset's audio plug into the bottom of the headset adapter. The adapter supports the following 3.5-mm audio headset types:

A single 3.5-mm audio cable headset.

A dual 3.5-mm audio cable headset with 3.5-mm CTIA audio cables.

A headset with chat audio provided via a 3.5-mm audio cable, and game audio provided via a separate cable with RCA or optical connectors. (Only chat audio will be enabled through the Stereo Headset Adapter. For RCA/optical connectors [game audio], follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect to the console.)

An Xbox 360 Wired Headset with a 2.5-mm audio cable. Connect to the Stereo Headset Adapter by using the 2.5-mm-to-3.5mm adapter that's included with the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter.

Notes

Xbox 360 Wireless Headsets are not compatible with Xbox One.

Early editions of the Xbox 360 Headset with the following adapter will not work due to the design of the connector.

Using the Stereo Headset Adapter

Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter buttons

Game balance

Chat balance

Volume up

Volume down

Mute

Game/Chat balance: These two buttons adjust the mix of game audio versus chat audio. At default, the mix is 50/50, but you can adjust it to anywhere from 100/0 to 0/100. For example, if you want more game volume than chat volume, press the button with the controller icon until you reach the level you want. A tone will sound when you have reached 100 percent.

Mute: This button mutes your chat audio so other users can't hear you. It doesn't mute game/music/app audio. This button has an orange LED to indicate that you are muted. This LED lights up only if a headset is plugged into the adapter.

Volume: Volume up and down buttons control all audio coming to your headset, including game and chat audio. If you don't want to increase both game and chat audio at the same rate, adjust your game/chat audio balance (see "Game/Chat balance," above).

Stereo Headset Adapter issues and questions

If you have a question about or a problem using the Stereo Headset Adapter, see the following topics.

Make sure your controller has fresh batteries. When the batteries get weak, some controller functions, such as audio and vibration, are turned off to conserve the remaining power.

Make sure your headset adapter is firmly plugged into your controller and that your stereo headset's 3.5-mm cable is securely plugged into the headset adapter. You will know it's plugged in properly if you press the mute button and the LED lights up. If the mute light comes on and you have updated your controller but your headset isn't working, consult the manual or manufacturer.

Try your Stereo Headset Adapter on another controller if you can. If the adapter works on the second controller, try updating the first controller again. If that fails, the controller will need to be replaced. To order a replacement, go to the Device Support.

Bluetooth doesn't support any attachments, including headsets. For best results, connect your headset directly into your PC's audio jack when connected using Bluetooth.

If your Xbox One Controller doesn't work or gets disconnected after you plug in your Stereo Headset Adapter, unplug your adapter, and then update your controller without the adapter. After the controller is updated, insert your Stereo Headset Adapter back into the controller. If you're prompted to install another update for the adapter, install that update as well.

Note This fix was updated in the Xbox One June 2014 system update. If you previously tried to update the controller but were unsuccessful, please try again.

If your controller still disconnects after you update it, you need to replace the controller. To order a replacement, go to Device Support.

There's too much game or chat audio

If you have both game and chat audio plugged into the adapter, use the Game balance or Chat balance button to increase or decrease the audio levels as desired.

Your Stereo Headset Adapter is broken

If your Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter is broken, you can order a replacement from Device Support.